Let’s Normalize reaching out
This blog post was written by Reconnection Vision Fellow and Communications Team Member Carissa Waugh.
Let’s normalize reaching out to counselors, Elders, friends or peers.
As we move into this new season, let’s remember to care for ourselves—and each other. Fall often brings big changes: some of us are starting school or university for the first time, some are going hunting or harvesting, and many are adjusting to shorter days and colder weather.
Our physical health is very important, but so is our mental health! Some of these new changes can bring up some new emotions, even old emotions. How we respond is completely up to us.
Whether you’re reaching out to a counsellor, Elder, friend, or peer… you’re choosing connection over isolation. That takes strength.
Let’s normalize checking in, opening up, and being honest when things feel heavy.
You’re not meant to carry everything alone.
It takes a lot of courage to step up and reach out for help, I know because I was there.
I reached out a few times to some mentors but that’s where it stopped, I unfortunately wasn’t able to get the help I needed. A year ago I started off my fall season with a couple work retreats that did not go well, amongst a few other things I had going on in my life at the time. I had a long and depressing winter, and I really kept to myself.
I did exactly the opposite of what I was supposed to do, I stayed home and isolated myself, I canceled a lot of dinners/outings with close friends, I stopped working and beading after my cat had passed away — I had convinced myself that nobody wanted to be around my sad self.
I had a dark cloud over me all winter until I had the opportunity to travel to Ottawa for work.
I forced myself to get out and go for dinner, do some shopping, go for some walks, drink some coffee and socialize and it definitely helped having some amazing travel partners.
I could feel the clouds getting lighter, I was starting to bead again and get out more. I was really fortunate to have that opportunity, and I do recognize my own privilege of having these travel opportunities that not everyone has.
The point I want to get across is that you can reach out for help! But also if someone reaches out to you for help, please take care of that person.
Here are some Yukon resources that you can use, or share with your friends/family.
Child, Youth & Family Treatment Team (CYFTT) Free counselling & support services for school‑aged children, youth, and families: rapid access counselling, clinical counselling, outreach, group supports, and a youth outreach clinic.
Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services (MWSU) : Supports for children & youth under 19 with mental health or substance‑use concerns. Includes outreach, assessment, counselling, school‑based services. Whitehorse main line: 867‑456‑3838 or toll‑free 1‑866‑456‑3838
Canadian Mental Health Association – Yukon (CMHA‑Yukon) Free counselling (ages 13+) including single‑session counselling, help line, and other wellness programs. Also runs a 24/7 support line called Reach Out.
All of our stories matter, but it would mean a lot to us if you can tell your story as an elder. Ihkets’idlī (means “I love you” in Northern Tutchone)
In the words of the Fellowship:
“Self-care is community care. When you are healthy, it transforms everyone around you.”
So don’t wait until you’re at your limit. Reach out, speak up, and let people show up for you. You deserve that. 💛
